Detail Page

written by
Gary Gladding
published by
the University of llinois Physics Education Research Group

This is an interactive homework problem relating to transverse wave motion in a vibrating Slinky toy. A slinky of known mass is stretched to a length of 6m and given a shake to create a transverse wave pulse. It takes 0.8 seconds for the pulse to travel the full length. If the Slinky is stretched to a length of 10.2m, how long will it take the pulse to reach the other end?

The problem is accompanied by a Socratic-dialog "help" sequence designed to help users understand the relationships among spring tension, spring constant, and speed of a traveling wave. Specific guidance is provided for each component of this problem, from strategic analysis through application of the mathematics. This item is part of a larger collection of interactive problems developed by the Illinois Physics Education Research Group.

Units (1)

Superb inquiry-based problem to help students understand how spring tension, spring constant, and wave speed are related. The problem features a vibrating Slinky toy stretched to different lengths and given a "shake". Students must figure out how long it takes the wave pulse to travel the full length in both cases. They will discover for themselves that the time is the same. We suggest using this resource with the Physics Classroom tutorial above, "Speed of a Wave".

Gladding, G. (2006, June 16). Illinois PER Interactive Examples: Waves on a Slinky. Retrieved September 15, 2019, from University of llinois Physics Education Research Group: http://per.physics.illinois.edu/per/IE/ie.pl?phys101/ie/15/slinky

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